Apparatus and methods for delivering ablative laser energy to tissue

ABSTRACT

An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having co-acting movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and thermal probe in different positions relative to a tissue mass such as the tumor to be treated and relative to each other to facilitate treating tissue masses based on the exact position, size and shape of the tissue mass.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a non-provisional application of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/888,223, filed Feb. 5, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates in general to apparatus and methods for delivering ablative laser energy to tissue such as tumors, and in particular to apparatus and methods for positioning a laser probe to deliver ablative laser energy to tissue and for positioning a thermal probe relative to the laser probe to monitor the temperature of surrounding tissue.

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous in situ or on-site laser therapy treatment of tissue such as tumors and in particular malignant breast tumors can be more readily performed today because tissue abnormalities such as tumors are being detected at earlier stages. Tissue abnormalities such as breast cancer and other cancers or tumors detected in early development can be effectively treated or destroyed using an ablative agent such as laser energy without conventional surgery.

Interstitial laser energy treatments of tissue (such as tumors) including malignant tumors (such as breast, liver, brain, and neck tumors), have been in development for more than a decade. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,396, U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,953, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,240, U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,366, U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,988, U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,175, U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,412, U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,109, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,253 disclose various apparatus and methods for conducting interstitial laser energy treatments of tissue (such as tumors). Certain of these patents disclose a laser probe and a thermal probe for conducting the interstitial laser energy treatment and related temperature measurement. Certain of these patents also disclose a probe holder configured to hold the laser probe and the thermal probe. However, such probe holders are very limited in the relative positions and fixed geometries in which they can hold the laser probe and the thermal probe for conducting interstitial laser energy treatment. Certain of these patents disclose a probe holder configured to hold the thermal probe at a single fixed distance from the laser probe and in a single plane with the laser probe.

It has been determined that known probe holders do not fully facilitate interstitial laser energy treatment of: (a) body parts of different sizes and shapes (such as breasts) containing the tissue to be treated; (b) tissue to be treated (such as tumors) of different sizes and shapes; (c) different areas of the body containing the tissue to be treated; and (d) variations in the tissue surrounding the area to be treated. These known probe holders also do not enable operators to properly account for variations in the tissue surrounding the area to be ablated. Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatus for interstitial laser energy treatment having a probe holder apparatus which facilitates the above variations.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having probe holder apparatus including co-acting independently movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe in a suitable position relative to tissue (such as a tumor) to be treated and which facilitate positioning of a thermal probe in a plurality of different positions and geometries relative to the tissue to be treated and relative to the laser probe. The probe holders enable operators to consistently and reliably position the thermal probe at different, predetermined distances from laser probe and to position the thermal probe together with the laser probe in multiple different planes throughout a known or predetermined geometry. The movable probe holders enable an operator to: (a) place the laser probe in the body of a patient in a desired position for treating the tissue based on the exact position, size, and shape of the tissue and the body pan containing the tissue and (b) place the thermal probe in the body of a patient in proximity with and substantially parallel to the laser probe based on the position of the laser probe, the exact position, size, and shape of the tissue to be treated, and the body part containing the tissue. This positioning enables the laser probe to facilitate delivery of laser energy to the tissue and the thermal probe to measure the tissue temperature at various locations in proximity of the tissue (such as the tumor) being treated during interstitial laser therapy. This positioning also enables the operator to account for variations in tissue surrounding the area to be ablated.

It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having probe holder apparatus including one or more probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and a thermal probe in desired positions relative to the tissue to be treated and relative to each other for interstitial laser energy treatment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus disclosed herein, illustrating the laser probe holders respectively aligned in first positions for positioning the laser probe and thermal probe in a first plane relative to tissue.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the laser probe holders respectively aligned in different second positions (than those shown in FIG. 1) for positioning the laser probe and thermal probe in a different second plane relative to the tissue.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the laser probe holders respectively aligned in the first positions (as in FIG. 1) and with the thermal probe at a further distance from the laser probe than in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of one of the laser probe holders of FIG. 1, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating a laser probe channel and the three spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of the laser probe holder of FIG. 4, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating in phantom the aligned laser probe channels and the three spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the laser probe holder of FIG. 4, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating the aligned laser probe channels and the three spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the laser probe holder, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating the aligned laser probe channels and the two spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the laser probe holder of FIG. 7, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating in phantom the aligned laser probe channels and the two spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 9 is top plan view of the embodiment of the laser probe holder of FIG. 7, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating the aligned laser probe channels and the two spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the laser probe holder, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating the aligned laser probe channels and four spaced-apart thermal probe channels including three thermal probe channels adjacent to the laser probe channels and a fourth thermal probe channel spaced further apart from the three thermal channels.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of the laser probe holder of FIG. 10, shown removed from the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus, illustrating in phantom the aligned laser probe channel and the four spaced-apart thermal probe channels.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are top plan views of a set of probe holders of a further alternative embodiment, each probe holder having one thermal probe channel.

FIG. 13 is a side view of two connected probe holders of a further alternative embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an elongated probe holder of a further alternative embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the probe holder.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of the probe holder of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus disclosed herein, illustrating the laser probe holders of FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively aligned in first positions for positioning the laser probe and thermal probe in a first plane relative to tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, one embodiment of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus 10 is shown attached to or mounted on an imaging device or unit such as a conventional rotatable or positionable digital mammography device or unit 12. The mammography unit 12 includes a suitable stereotactic device or unit 14. It should be appreciated that the imaging device or unit may be any suitable unit or device including but not limited to x-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resource imaging devices. It should also be appreciated that the stereotactic device or unit may be any suitable device or unit. The illustrated stereotactic device 14 includes conventional aligned extendable upper (or first) and lower (or second) biopsy needle holders 16 and 18, respectively, suitably attached at the bottom of the stereotactic device 14. The illustrated stereotactic device 14 includes a compression plate 20 suitably attached at the bottom of the stereotactic device 14 below the upper and lower biopsy needle holders 16 and 18. For ease of illustration, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, show a saline bag instead of a body part (such as a breast) containing the tissue which would be treated using the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus.

The upper and lower biopsy needle holders 16 and 18 include outwardly extending aligned movable upper and lower needle holder arms 22 and 24, respectively, which are conventionally configured to removably hold and position a biopsy needle (not shown). The end sections of the arms 22 and 24 have vertically aligned vertically extending apertures through which the biopsy needle (not shown) is inserted for positioning and insertion into a body part (such as a breast) to perform a biopsy. These arms are employed in conjunction with the probe holders as described below to accurately and consistently position the laser probe and thermal probe of the interstitial laser therapy apparatus. It should be appreciated that the holders and arms can be configured in other suitable manners. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the upper and lower probe holders 50 and 52 of the interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus 10 are configured to be positioned at the end sections of the upper and lower needle holder arms 22 and 24 respectively to position a laser probe 100 and the thermal probe 102 for interstitial laser energy treatment. In certain embodiments disclosed herein the probe holders 50 and 52 are not connected to facilitate independent positioning relative to the movable arms which for different patients may be positioned at different distances from each other.

More specifically, the probe holders 50 and 52 are preferably identical in shape size and material. However, they may be varied in shape, size and material. FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are used to illustrate both probe holders 50 and 52, but are discussed particularly with reference to probe holder 50. In one embodiment, the probe holder 50 generally includes a generally rectangular solid plastic body having a length, width, and depth. It should be appreciated that the probe holder may be formed in alternative shapes as further discussed below. The body of the probe holder 50 includes a top wall or surface 54, a bottom wall or surface 56, a front wall or surface 58, a rear wall or surface 60, and two side walls or surfaces 62 and 64. The rear or first portion or section of the body includes or defines a needle holder arm receiving area 66 sized and configured to receive the end section of the respective needle holder arm as illustrated. The rear or first portion or section of the body also defines or includes vertically aligned laser probe receiving channels 70 a and 70 b positioned in the body on opposite sides of the arm receiving area 66. Channel 70 a extends from the top surface or wall 54 to a top wall 71 a which defines the arm receiving area 66 and channel 70 b extends from the bottom wall or surface 56 to a bottom wall 71 b which defines the arm receiving area 66. The probe holder 50 also includes a front or second portion or section defining spaced-apart parallel or substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels 72, 74, and 76 extending from the top wall or surface 54 to the bottom wall or surface 56.

In the embodiments illustrated herein, all of the laser probe and thermal probe channels are cylindrical; however, it should be appreciated that one or more of the channels may be formed in other suitable shapes and that different channels may be of different shapes. It should also be appreciated that the spacing between the channels may vary. It should further be appreciated that each of the size of the channels, shape of the channels, number of channels, and distance between the channels may vary depending on the type of procedure for which the channels are employed.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated embodiment of the interstitual laser treatment apparatus 10 includes a laser probe 100 and a temperature or thermal probe 102 configured to be held in position by the upper probe holder 50 positioned at the end of the upper needle holder arm 22 and a lower probe holder 52 positioned at the end of the lower needle holder arm 24. The upper and lower probe holders are shown aligned in first positions in FIG. 1 and in different second positions in FIG. 2 to illustrate that the interstitial laser apparatus disclosed herein facilitates the thermal probe and laser probe being aligned in various different vertical planes in a geometry about the axis of the laser probe. It should be appreciated that the thermal probe may be aligned in one of a plurality of different planes with respect to the laser probe. In the illustrated embodiment, the different planes each extend in an arc or partial arc around the axis of rotation of the laser probe as further discussed below.

In operation, the laser probe 100 is removably inserted through the needle arm apertures (not shown) and the laser probe channels of the aligned probe holders, and the thermal probe 102 is removably inserted through one of the sets of the aligned corresponding thermal probe channels of the aligned probe holders 50 and 52. The thermal probe 102 is held in fixed position or distance relative to the laser probe 100 by the probe holders 50 and 52. The thermal probe 102 is also held such that it remains co-planar or substantially co-planar with the laser probe 100.

More specifically, to position the laser probe 100, the operator positions the upper probe holder 50 at the end of the upper needle holder arm 22 such that laser probe channels 70 a and 70 b (of the upper probe holder 50) are vertically aligned with the aperture of the vertically extending arm 22 (i.e., above and below the end of the arm 22). The operator then inserts the laser probe 100 through the laser probe channel 70 a, then through the aperture of the arm 22, and then through the laser probe channel 70 b. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment the probe holder 50 is maintained in position relative to the arm 22 by the laser probe 100 once inserted. At this point, the probe holder 50 is pivotally movable about the axis of the laser probe.

In this embodiment, the operator then positions the lower probe holder 52 at the end of the lower needle holder arm 24 such that laser probe channels 70 a and 70 b (of the lower probe holder 52) are vertically aligned with the aperture of the vertically extending arm 24 (i.e., above and below the end of the arm 24). The operator then pushes down on the laser probe to insert the laser probe 100 through the laser probe channel 70 a (of the lower probe holder 52), then through the aperture of the arm 24, and then through the laser probe channel 7 b (of the lower probe holder 52). It should be appreciated that in this embodiment the probe holder 52 is maintained in position relative to the arm 22 by the laser probe 100 once inserted. At this point, the probe holder 52 is pivotally movable about the axis of the laser probe.

It should thus be appreciated that when the laser probe 100 is inserted through both probe holders 50 and 52 and through the arms 22 and 24, the probe holders 50 and 52 are each configured to independently to pivot about an axis of rotation extending substantially along the length of the laser probe 100. This enables the operator to position the laser probe holders in any one of a plurality of the different sets of positions relative to the laser probe. The operator can position the probe holders to select the plane in which the laser probe and thermal probe will be aligned.

For example, FIG. 1 shows the probe holders 50 and 52 aligned in a set of first positions or first plane. FIG. 2 shows the probe holders 50 and 52 aligned in a set of second positions (which are different than the first set of positions) and thus in a second, different plane. The determination of which positions and which planes will be used is at least in part based on the size and shape of the tissue (such as the tumor) being treated and at least in part based on where such tissue is located.

To position the thermal probe 102, the operator selects one of the respective sets of thermal probe channels in the probe holders based on the operator's desired distance between the thermal probe 102 and the laser probe 100. This determination is also in part based on the size, shape of the tissue (such as the tumor) being treated and at least in part based on where such tissue is located. The operator inserts the thermal probe 102 through the selected set of thermal probe channels 72, 74, or 76 in the respective probe holders 50 and 52.

In one embodiment, the laser probe is inserted through the probe holders and arms, into the body part (such as the breast), and into the tissue to be treated (such as the tumor) before the thermal probe is inserted through the probe holders.

In another embodiment, the laser probe is inserted through the probe holders and arms but not into the body part (such as the breast) or into the tissue to be treated (such as the tumor) before the thermal probe is inserted through the probe holders, in this embodiment, after the laser probe and thermal probe are positioned, both are inserted into the patient. Also, in this embodiment, after inserting the laser probe, the operator may move the thermal probe to a different set of thermal probe channels before inserting the thermal probe into the patient.

It should be appreciated that the probe holders may be made from any suitable material such as a suitable plastic, a suitable metal, a suitable composite material, or any combination thereof. It is preferable that the probe holders are made of a material and are sized such that they do not interfere with the imaging device or unit. It should also be appreciated that the probe holder apparatus disclosed herein enable the probe holders to be easily moved or rotated out of the way of the imaging device.

Turning now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, an alternative embodiment of the probe holder generally indicated by numeral 150 is illustrated. Probe holder 150 is similar to probe holder 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, except that it has one fewer thermal probe receiving channel. It should thus be appreciated that the number of thermal probe receiving channels can vary in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, probe holder 150 includes a generally rectangular solid body having a top wall or surface 154, a bottom wall or surface 156, a front wall or surface 158, a rear wall or surface 160, and two side walls or surfaces 162 and 164. The rear portion of the body includes a needle holder arm receiving area 166 sized and configured to receive the end section of the respective needle holder arm. The probe holder body defines or includes vertically aligned laser probe receiving channels 170 a and 170 b and spaced-apart parallel thermal probe receiving channels 172 and 174.

It should be appreciated that the shape of the body of the probe holder may also vary. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the probe holder generally indicated by numeral 250 in which the rear section (having the laser probe channels) is wider than the front section (having the thermal probe channels). The probe holder 250 also illustrates one extra thermal probe channel than illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, and that the thermal probe channels may be spaced in different patterns and that they may be spaced-apart at different distances. More specifically, the probe holder 250 includes a top wall or surface 254, a bottom wall or surface 256, a front wall or surface 258, a rear wall or surface 260, and two side walls or surfaces 262 and 264. The rear or first portion or section defines a needle holder arm receiving area 266. The rear or first portion or section also defines or includes vertically aligned laser probe receiving channels 270 a and 270 b. The probe holder 250 also includes spaced-apart parallel or substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels 272, 274, 276, and 278.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 128, and 12C, the probe holders are provided as a set of probe holders such as probe holders 350A, 350B, and 350C. The respective distances A, B, and C between the respective laser probe channels and the thermal probe channels differ for each probe holder 350A, 350B, and 350C. In this embodiment, the set of probe holders includes two probe holders 350A, two probe holders 350B, and two probe holders 350C. In this embodiment the operator selects and uses the desired pair of probe holders 350A 350B, or 350C, depending on the desired distance between the laser probe and the thermal probe.

In a further alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, the individual probe holders 450 and 452 are suitably connect by at least one connection member or bar 451. The connection member or bar 451 holds the probe holders 450 and 452 together. This embodiment enables the operator to place or position both probe holders 450 and 452 together on the biopsy needle holder arms. In one such embodiment, the connection member or bar 451 is suitably removable. This removable functionality may be provided in any suitable manner. It should be appreciated that the connection member will be formed and positioned so as not to interfere with the probes before, during, or after positioning the probe holder.

In a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 the probe holder 550 is elongated, enabling it to be simultaneously positioned adjacent to both biopsy needle holders or arms. The probe holder is formed as one body and thus performs the same function as the separate probe holders described above. In one such embodiment, the two probe holders are integrally formed. The body of the probe holder 550 includes a top wall or surface 554, a bottom wall or surfaces 556, a front wall or surface 558, a rear wall or surface 560, and two side walls or surfaces 562 and 564 (not shown). The rear or first portion or section of the body includes or defines needle holder arm receiving areas 566 a and 566 b each sized and configured to receive the end section of the respective biopsy needle holder arms. The rear or first portion or section of the body also defines or includes vertically aligned laser probe receiving channels 570 a, 570 b and 570 c. The probe holder 550 also includes a front or second portion or section defining spaced-apart parallel or substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels 572, 574, and 576 extending from the top wall or surface 554 to the bottom wall or surface 556. This embodiment can be used in certain situations where the distance between the biopsy needle holder arms is fixed. Alternatively, a set of these probe holders 550 may be provided such that each probe holder has a different distance between arm receiving areas 566 a and 566 b.

In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the probe holder 650 includes a body having a top wall or surface 654, a bottom wall or surface 656, a front wall or surface 658, a rear wall or surface 660, and two side walls or surfaces 662 and 664 (not shown). The rear or first portion or section of the body includes or defines an integrated bushing 666 for rotatably connecting the probe holder 650 to the biopsy needle holder arm. The integrated bushing 666 for rotatably connecting the probe holder 650 to the biopsy needle holder arm is positioned in the aperture of the arm 22. The rear or first portion or section of the body also includes or defines a vertically aligned laser probe receiving channel 670. The front or second portion or section of the body includes or defines vertically aligned thermal probe receiving channels 672, 674, and 676. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the probe holder 650 is maintained in position relative to the arm 22 by the integrated bushing 666 once inserted into the arm 22. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the second probe holder 652 includes an integrated bushing 666 for rotatably connecting the probe holder 652 to the biopsy needle holder arm 24. It should be appreciated that the probe holders 650 and 652 are each pivotally movable with respect to the biopsy needle holder arms 22 and 24.

It should thus be appreciated that in operation, an operator positions both of the probe holders 650 and 652 in the arms 22 and 24 respectively, and then inserts the laser probe 100 through the laser probe channel 670 of probe holder 650, which is rotatably inserted in the aperture of the arm 22, and then through the laser probe channel 670 of probe holder 652. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the laser probes do not come in contact with the arms. This embodiment also more easily enables an operator to position the probe holders and then the probes.

It should also be appreciated that FIG. 17 illustrates a slightly modified connection box 700 for the laser probe and thermal probe. Specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates that both the laser fiber and the wire for transferring temperature data from the single thermistor on the laser are contained within a single cord enclosure. In this embodiment, the number of discrete cords or cables terminating at either of the two probes is thus reduced.

In one embodiment, the tissue (such as the tumor) is pierced with a laser probe to enable access to the tissue by a saline supply and a laser fiber for interstitial laser energy treatment. In one embodiment, the laser heats the tumor tissue using saline as a heat transfer medium. The thermal probe measures the temperature of the tissue adjacent to the tissue being treated.

More specifically, the illustrated embodiment of the interstitial laser treatment apparatus further includes a y-connector attached to the laser probe 100, which is configured to received a laser fiber and a saline supply tube. The laser fiber is connected to a suitable laser diode source such as one having 1-8 watts, 805 nominal nanometer wavelength. The saline supply tube is connected to a suitable syringe infusion pump (not shown) such as one capable of accurately dispensing 60 cc syringes of saline at variable flow rates to 1 cc per minute, continuously adjustable, and including bolus function. In one embodiment, the laser probe is a 14 gauge probe constructed of 304 stainless steel and has one thermistor attached. It should be appreciated that the number of thermistors may vary. In one embodiment, the thermal probe is a 14 gauge probe constructed of 304 stainless steel and has five thermistors attached. In one such embodiment, the thermistors are marked and referred to as T1 T2, T3, T4, and T5 (not shown).

In one embodiment, the interstitial laser treatment apparatus further includes a converter suitable to convert thermistor temperature to a digital signal. The laser probe is placed in the desired position with respect to the tissue to be treated (such as in the center of the tumor). In one embodiment, the laser probe contains the optical fiber, and thus guides laser energy, a temperature measuring device, and saline solution to the interior of the tissue (such as the tumor). The thermal probe is inserted in the probe holder such that it is positioned in the periphery of the tissue to be treated (such as the tumor). The thermal probe enables the operator to determine the tissue temperature at set distances from the tissue being treated and monitor the various temperatures.

Tissue temperature measurements are taken at various distances away from the tumor mass surface. This temperature data is utilized in conjunction with the relative distances of the temperature sensors to calculate the volume of tumor mass destroyed, and therefore is utilized to determine when the entire tumor mass is effectively destroyed, as discussed below. Enabling the operator to optimally position the thermal probe with respect to the laser probe is critical to enable the operator to monitor a concentric zone of heat emitted from the tip of the laser probe during treatment. The ability to monitor the concentric heat patterns of the laser probe is necessary to effectively measure the volume of tissue (such as the tumor) mass destroyed during treatment.

As previously discussed the relative positioning of the thermal probe and the laser probe must be determined and known to accurately calculate the volume of tumor mass destroyed. The thermal probe and laser probe may include a number of position marks (not shown) to enable an operator determine the relative positions of the thermal probe and laser probe. The position marks are preferably evenly spaced-apart along a portion of a length of the thermal probe and along a portion of the length of the laser probe. The operator may use these position marks to correctly position the laser probe, and subsequently position the thermal probe relative to the laser probe, as each probe is inserted in one of the probe receiving channels in the probe holders.

It should also be appreciated that a conventional treatment platform (not shown) may be positioned relative to the imaging device or unit to enable the interstitial laser therapy to be performed while the patient (not shown) is lying on the treatment platform. The use of the treatment platform with the imaging unit enables the interstitial laser therapy to be performed and, if necessary, adjunctive therapy to be performed in the same treatment room without transferring the patient to a new platform as described in one of the patents mentioned above.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to interstitial last energy therapy, and particularly, interstitial laser energy therapy for the destruction of a breast tumor. The present disclosure may apply to a variety of different non-surgical treatments for the destruction of a variety of different tumor masses.

It should be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus comprising: a laser source; a laser probe operable with said laser source; a thermal probe; a first probe holder configured to hold the laser probe and the thermal probe, said first probe holder configured to be positioned at the end of a first needle holder arm of a stereotactic device of a positionable imaging unit; and a second probe holder configured to hold the laser probe and the thermal probe, said second probe holder configured to be positioned at the end of a second needle holder arm of said stereotactic device, said first probe holder and said second probe holder configured to be positioned to: (a) hold the thermal probe at any one of a plurality of different fixed distances from the laser probe, and (b) hold both the laser probe and the thermal probe in any one of a plurality of different planes.
 2. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in shape.
 3. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in size.
 4. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in material.
 5. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second probe holders are connected by a connecting member.
 6. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second probe holders are integrally formed.
 7. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the probe holders includes a solid body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and two side surfaces.
 8. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein a rear portion of the body of the least one probe holder defines a needle holder arm receiving area sized and configured to receive the end section of the respective needle holder arm.
 9. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one probe holder defines at least one laser probe receiving channel.
 10. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one probe holder defines aligned laser probe receiving channels.
 11. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one probe holder defines at least one thermal probe receiving channel.
 12. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one probe holder defines a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels.
 13. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of different planes extend in an arc around the axis of rotation of the probe holders.
 14. The interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one probe holder includes an integrated bushing.
 15. An interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus comprising: a first probe holder configured to hold a laser probe and a thermal probe, said first probe holder configured to be positioned at the end of a first needle holder arm of a stereotactic device of a positionable imaging unit; and a second probe holder configured to hold the laser probe and the thermal probe said second probe holder configured to be positioned at the end of a second needle holder arm of said stereotactic device, said first probe holder and said second probe holder configured to be positioned to: (a) hold the thermal probe at any one of a plurality of different fixed distances from the laser probe, and (b) hold both the laser probe and the thermal probe in any one of a plurality of different planes.
 16. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in shape.
 17. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in size.
 18. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second probe holders are identical in material.
 19. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second probe holders are connected by a connecting member.
 20. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first and second probe holders are integrally formed.
 21. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one of the probe holders includes a solid body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and two side surfaces.
 22. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 21, wherein a rear portion of the body of the least one probe holder defines a needle holder arm receiving area sized and configured to receive the end section of the respective needle holder arm.
 23. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one probe holder defines at least one laser probe receiving channel.
 24. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one probe holder defines aligned laser probe receiving channels.
 25. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one probe holder defines at least one thermal probe receiving channel.
 26. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one probe holder defines a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels.
 27. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein said plurality of different planes extend in an arc around the axis of rotation of the probe holders.
 28. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least the first probe holder includes an integrated bushing.
 29. An interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder comprising: a body having: a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, two side surfaces, a first section configured to be positioned at the end of a needle holder arm of a stereotactic device of a positionable imaging unit, said first section defining at least one laser probe receiving channel and a second section defining a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel thermal probe receiving channels, such that said body is configured to: (a) hold a thermal probe at any one of a plurality of different fixed distances from a laser probe and in a substantially parallel manner to said laser probe, and (b) hold both the laser probe and the thermal probe in each of a plurality of planes.
 30. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder of claim 29, wherein the rear portion of the body defines a needle holder arm receiving area sized and configured to receive the end section of the needle holder arm.
 31. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder of claim 30, wherein the body defines aligned laser probe receiving channels.
 32. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder of claim 29, wherein the body defines aligned laser probe receiving channels.
 33. The interstitial laser energy treatment probe holder of claim 29, wherein the first section includes an integrated bushing. 